Skype is the death of your business!

12 years ago

I conduct 90% of my business through skype.

I think a lot more can be got through using chat.

You dont always get a response straightaway with email and sometimes an emails answer isnt clear enough.

Meaning more emails bounced about.

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glowworm Banned 12 years ago

Agree entirely. It seems like everyone in IM wants to Skype and you do tend to end up waffling on for much longer than is necessary.
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jape

12 years ago

Originally Posted by magicsubmittertutorials

I conduct 90% of my business through skype.

I think a lot more can be got through using chat.

You dont always get a response straightaway with email and sometimes an emails answer isnt clear enough.

Meaning more emails bounced about.

Amen! There are decisions that need to be made immediately and waiting on an email response could mean a loss. Plus, brainstorming through emails is kinda hard. It's just a matter of managing your time and I think Skype helps more than it damages your business...if it even does.

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

Doesn't brainstorming allow you to give a much more thoughful response as opposed to being compelled to provide an answer on-the-fly?
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- jape 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Daniel Evans
  
  Doesn't brainstorming allow you to give a much more thoughful response as opposed to being compelled to provide an answer on-the-fly?
  
  I agree but it's not much of a brainstorming if you're the only one thinking it through. I mean, if your chatting on Skype you can easily exchange ideas and solve the issue faster than waiting for the other guy's email and then writing back if you don't see eye to eye. And what if he is misunderstanding your email? One email could easily turn into a hundred
  
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John Taylor

12 years ago

Daniel,

You have two choices... you can use applications such as
Skype as tools to increase the efficiency of your business,
or you can allow other people to use them to place demands
on your time.

It's not the fault of the tool... it's how you manage it and the
people you share it with.

My business relies heavily upon Skype as a communication tool.
But I hardly ever get interrupted by unnecessary text chats.
Simply because I set the ground rules. It is, after all, my business.

John

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

Originally Posted by John Taylor

It's not the fault of the tool... it's how you manage it and the
people you share it with.

Yep, that certainly is true.

Unfortunately with the "cold requests" however you naturally can't judge in advance what type of person you're going to communicate with so it's quite often a serious and arguably unnecessary gamble on time.
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Dimitris Skiadas

12 years ago

Originally Posted by John Taylor

Daniel,

You have two choices... you can use applications such as
Skype as tools to increase the efficiency of your business,
or you can allow other people to use them to place demands
on your time.

It's not the fault of the tool... it's how you manage it and the
people you share it with.

My business relies heavily upon Skype as a communication tool.
But I hardly ever get interrupted by unnecessary text chats.
Simply because I set the ground rules. It is, after all, my business.

John

I couldn't agree more with John. It took me some time to realise that i was wasting a lot of time daily, answering to short messages in Skype, even with my co-workers.

One day i decided to write down how much i ve spent in answering those little messages, that were not that important.I also wrote down the time i've spent to focus again on what i was doing before the Skype message.

It took me almost 3 hours!!Unbelievable! So, i have set since then some ground rules on how Skype and e-mail communication should be used. And never looked back since.

Dimitris

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Vincent Garner

12 years ago

Originally Posted by John Taylor

Daniel,

You have two choices... you can use applications such as
Skype as tools to increase the efficiency of your business,
or you can allow other people to use them to place demands
on your time.

It's not the fault of the tool... it's how you manage it and the
people you share it with.

My business relies heavily upon Skype as a communication tool.
But I hardly ever get interrupted by unnecessary text chats.
Simply because I set the ground rules. It is, after all, my business.

John

m completely agree with John,

technology is not good not bad, its upon us how we use it....

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Jack Coxill

12 years ago

I understand your points completely, sometimes it seems just because the messages are instant and a contact is online you feel you have to message them, or it becomes more of a temptation.

However, I also agree with "magicsubmittertutorials" - in the sense that if you need a quick answer to a something as a previous email or message didn't quite clarify what you needed to know it can be helpful. But, if the contact isn't online it would be the same to send another email.

Skype and other instant messaging platforms have their good and bad points, I suppose it's just a matter of 'are you using your time there effectively or is it low standard, time consuming conversation'.

Jack.

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JBanis

12 years ago

I'm not sure about Skype yet. I was a member of some groups, still am, and when I joined the conversation, I liked it sometimes, but you're right in that it can often digress or end up costing way too much time.

Although I enjoy the social side of things, my main use for Skype would be to ask help when needed, and hopefully get it. Offering help I would also do, but yeah, getting these annoying skype chat popups the whole time has lead me to turn off skype pretty often.

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John Taylor 12 years ago

Originally Posted by JBanis

but yeah, getting these annoying skype chat popups the whole time has lead me to turn off skype pretty often.

You can change the notification settings to
turn those off.

Skype is a tool with settings and options that
you can use to suit your needs.

John
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- JBanis 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by John Taylor
  
  You can change the notification settings to
  turn those off.
  
  Skype is a tool with settings and options that
  you can use to suit your needs.
  
  John
  
  Yes John, totally agree...and I do :-)
  Main idea with all of it: manage your time, use the tools as and when they fit in your business. Skype is one of those tools.
  
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noyan

12 years ago

I love skype cause I'm using it business purposes even though connected with Facebook.

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DZainein

12 years ago

@ Daniel,

I completely agree, I had a customer who insisted on talking on Skype and he went on for a good 75 mins.

Because it was a FREE call - but what about my time?

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John Taylor 12 years ago

Originally Posted by DZainein

...but what about my time?

Yes, it's your time. It's up to you to manage how
you use it.. You could have taken control of the
conversation and kept it short.

John
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techbul

12 years ago

I don't like using Skype exactly for this reason - it's a lot better through email, this way I only waste time once in the morning to reply to everything.

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OolongMedia

12 years ago

There's nothing wrong with Skype. It's how you deal with it, with your business, clients and workers.

I spent most of the time using it and it's really helpful not just for me but for the business as a whole.

It's always better to have a real time conversation than emails, isn't it?

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Sean Erickson

12 years ago

I have to agree with you.
Many of my clients prefer to chat on skype and clear questions fast rather
than sending emails.

Sometimes, they just won't stop??? They pay me $500 and expect me to do a 5 hour
Q/A? It's real Pain In The A$$ and that's why I am SO PICKY when accepting Skype Requests.

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jape

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Sean Erickson

I have to agree with you.
Many of my clients prefer to chat on skype and clear questions fast rather
than sending emails.

Sometimes, they just won't stop??? They pay me $500 and expect me to do a 5 hour
Q/A? It's real Pain In The A$$ and that's why I am SO PICKY when accepting Skype Requests.

lol...Yeah, they do tend to squeeze more from their dollar.

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webbusineses

12 years ago

Well using Skype is justified I have generated good amount of business using Skype for Conversation with my Clients. It is helpful for me i can't tell about others

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PaulSch

12 years ago

This may be down to my age but I use skype for talking to my clients. I don't do instant messaging, neither do I use my phone for text messaging.

I set the rules and I have never had a problem with a customer because of these rules. I have better ways to spend my time other than endlessly messaging or texting, especially with the "foreign" language used in text messages.

I also like to use email because the point I want to make is written down in front of the customer, not bouncing around the stratosphere.

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JBanis

12 years ago

I have to say I also agree with skype being very handy for those quick chats for getting a solution to a problem or for dealing with whatever, and coaching perhaps. Even just plain service. But it can get out of hand when it becomes random chat in skype groups.

So perhaps be more picky in general about how to use it.

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TheCluelessDeveloper

12 years ago

Setting status to Busy helps a lot, I only wish there was one status called Busy as hell!

In a previous job I was coordinating around 50 external employees and contractors, mostly via Skype. My Skype would light up like a Christmas tree when I started my computer in the morning, especially when pay was due. As mentioned earlier in this thread it has everything to do with setting rules and not letting yourself be distracted.

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lerxtjr

12 years ago

Try only allowing email for non-clients and offering communication with you through skype IM as a value-added offer for clients. I typically have my entire team of 10 online with me on skype IM all day long plus 5 or 6 conversations going on throughout the day with paying clients...and can be on a sales call or conference call at the same time! Just no possible way to manage all that activity and multi-tasking using just email and certainly not by taking live calls. Used right, skype can double or triple your daily productivity.

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fin

12 years ago

I didn't even know you could chat on Skype.

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Joseph Robinson

Banned 12 years ago

Goes into email, sees Gtalk.

There's just no escape! Must. Chat.

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MrDougJay

12 years ago

I can relate, I've been working online for 2 years now and Skype is the primary means of communication.

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Anonymous Affiliate

12 years ago

I manage all my employees and outsourcees via Skype. The capacity to immediately reach someone plus being able to interact in real time is priceless, and email does NOT allow that.

Skype is crucial for my online business.

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Bio Emma

12 years ago

I have never downloaded Skype; and I have no intentions to.

I also go "invisible" on GMail chat.

If people need to go hold of me, they can do so through e-mail which I list as my main and most consistent form of list owner/subscriber contact avenue.

To date, I have yet to receive a complaint about being inaccessible or anything of that nature.

It is probably due to the fact that I tell my subscribers up front that I am an 'e-mail person' and nothing more.

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RPaige 12 years ago

I agree with Bio Emma. Skype seems much too distracting and a waste of quite a bit of time. That is not to say that there are not some great benefits, though. I think it is a personal choice depending on your particular area of business and, quite frankly, your personality.
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WriterWahm

12 years ago

I love Skype but I will only hold a voice conversation under duress. Chatting takes a lot of my time and when you are a ghostwriter, time is in short supply. So I usually have my status set to invisible and only chat with those I have business with. They are also busy people and know to keep it short. When all is said and done though, I love Skype.

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Socialbakers

12 years ago

Skype is a powerful and useful tool - however Skype is a good servant but a bad master.

When you discuss something with your clients via Skype, don't let them run the conversation, because it could go on for hours. Make notes during those calls, clarify vague issues and be brief - don't waste your time, because time is money.

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jape

12 years ago

If Skype is wasting your time then you must have the problem and not Skype. Set boundaries. You don't have to answer every message. It's kinda like Facebook thousands of employee hours are wasted on Facebook but we can't blame FB for being awesome

Oh, wait... there's a comment on my picture

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sbucciarel

Banned 12 years ago

It's email or pm for me all the way. Fortunately, living in the country and having slow Internet connection gives me a good excuse not to use skype. I answer my emails quickly and don't need the half hour or more conversations to get info I or my customers need.

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Joseph Robinson

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by sbucciarel

It's email or pm for me all the way. Fortunately, living in the country and having slow Internet connection gives me a good excuse not to use skype. I answer my emails quickly and don't need the half hour or more conversations to get info I or my customers need.

You know, Thad has a Skype (or at least had one, I don't think he remembers how to log in). I don't think your excuse is valid :p. If Skype works in the Holler it works where you are.

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sbucciarel

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Joseph Robinson

You know, Thad has a Skype (or at least had one, I don't think he remembers how to log in). I don't think your excuse is valid :p. If Skype works in the Holler it works where you are.

Shhhh ... I hate skype. I also hate talking on the phone and my business doesn't require it.

I get pms from people I don't know at all, saying add me to Skype. Telling them we ain't got skype in the dad gum Holler is a more polite than saying buzz off.

I do access the Internet via my tethered Droid and Skype was on my Droid before I deleted it. In order to use Skype, I would have to stop working, detach from the computer, which isn't very productive IMO.

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Rod Cortez

12 years ago

I completely agree that Skype is merely a tool, and it's all in how one manages it. I've gotten very good at keeping my answers short over the years and telling people when it's time for me to go.

I actually have 3 different Skype log ins (I have several machines in my home office, all for very different reasons). One for my VAs, a personal one, and one for everything else (coaching, support, etc.). If I'm working, I'm never logged into my personal one. This one time management trick helped me stay focused on the task at hand. My Skype for my VAs is always on because they're in different parts of the world and if they have a question, I want to be able to answer them as soon as possible.

Skype is an awesome efficiency tool when it's used correctly. You should be running and managing it, not the other way around.

RoD

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fundamentmedia

12 years ago

This thread reads familiar ;-) I know some of my contacts can be very talkative. So if I can fit it in fast enough at the beginning of the conversation I state a specific time for example 10-15 minutes that I can commit to for this chat/talk. A closing phrase from a marketer on skype that I liked was: "I value your time so I will wrap this up and we can talk another time. Have a great day! bye..." -disconnected-

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Trevor

12 years ago

Just recently I started scheduling my logging into Facebook and Skype - I only do so once a day to check whether or not I have received any new notifications, messages or invitations and then I log off.

I no longer read other people's stories as I used to

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magiclouie

12 years ago

I do Web Development and Graphics, so skype is very important for me to connect with my clients. We do exchange emails as well but so far, skype rocks.

I do agree that it really depends on how you use it.

One should have self-discipline.

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Yadira Barbosa

12 years ago

I use Skype ONLY for coaching sessions previously arranged, and I insist on punctuality.

Sometimes it's better not to be so available to your prospects/customers, this make you more desirable.

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Jacqueline Smith 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Yadira Barbosa

Sometimes it's better not to be so available to your prospects/customers, this make you more desirable.

Or....is a great way to completely annoy your customers.

With or without Skype, excellent customer service is crucial.
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contentwriting360

Banned 12 years ago

I can say that 50% of our business operations here in Content Writing 360° is done through Skype (50% on email). Whether Skype is the death or growth of a business, it depends on who runs the business. If the business owner sets standards on how to manage chat conversations with clients on Skype and how to handle the conversation when the client seems to be unnecessarily prolonging the discussion (so as to say), there should be no problem at all. Same thing goes if we were to talk about Skype calls. It's the owner's 'call control' or 'call handling skills' that will take care of it.

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WeavingThoughts

12 years ago

1. I don't understand why would anybody find Skype an efficient use of time.

2. For 99% of people, I would prefer GTALK instead. At least I can search and find it in my inbox history. With 100s of clients on Skype and dozens of pendings orders on a daily basis, there is no way to search your way back to what happened on Skype with who. You need to check each account.

I refuse to use Skype for any kind of record. I only tolerate Skype because of clients who insist

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contentwriting360 Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by WeavingThoughts

1. I don't understand why would anybody find Skype an efficient use of time.

You won't really understand it if you and the ones who find Skype as a time-efficient tool do not have the same management or file organization strategy. It really boils down to how you manage your follow-ups, pending orders, and so on.

2.there is no way to search your way back to what happened on Skype with who. You need to check each account.

I'm not trying to be a smartass, just sharing one of my best practices as a Help Desk Associate. I don't have to check all accounts, one-by-one, just to find out if I need to follow-up something to this or that person. I make sure that a sticky note is always open. If I need to follow-up something to a client on Skype at a later time, I paste the client's Skype name on the Sticky Note and type in what do I need to follow-up later.
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Nexstair

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Evans

(The claim may be a little unfair given that's Skypes focus is VOIP. It just happens to be one of the popular forms of instant messaging so I've used it for the sake of an example.)

I've just segued into this topic from another thread which talks of working hard VS working smart and another thread which talk about the continuing popularity of email.

I've set myself a pact recently to spend a lot less time in Skype text chat.

A lot of people insist on using Skype and for some reason they can endlessley rabbit on through an endless amount of dialogue, which could, in most cases, be summarized in a quick and simple email.

With the popularity of mobile devices we also have the joy of chatting to individuals who take 5 minutes to type in a mere sentence on their touchscreen.Time is sapped to an absolute extreme.

How much of your business time is consumed with this kind of activity?

How much time could you save by routing a "I need to (text) chat on Skype" to a simple email instead?

Your comment is valid but what if you are discussing something and having instant response instead of sending an email and wait for hours to get a response.Also, you have no certainty if recipient actually received your message or not- Does that affect business more or chat? Thoughts???

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smallbusinesstoolkit

12 years ago

What is rhe problem ?
Skype has nice "switch off" button.
I never use it for business , phone and email is more than enough.

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Daniel Evans

12 years ago

Originally Posted by smallbusinesstoolkit

What is rhe problem ?
Skype has nice "switch off" button.

...and in clear hindsight that's exactly what my question poses.

Should it be switched off?

I think the suggestions that people have put out regarding "taking control of the conversation" is a little easier said that than done given that the recipient (assuming there are a customer) in many cases will want to take control of the conversations themselves by default as a paying client so you're going to end up with two opposing forces.

Sure, we have the option to end the conversation abruptly however this might contradict what we are trying to achieve. An abruptly ended Skype conversation might make the Skype expereince pass off as less of a positive than a (lesser personal) email.

A huge factor also is the type of business you're involved in which will reflect the depth of information that's required from the client and of course the unnecessary extents they are willing to go to in dialogue.

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John Taylor

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Evans

Sure, we have the option to end the conversation abruptly however this might contradict what we are trying to achieve. An abruptly ended Skype conversation might make the Skype expereince pass off as less of a positive than a (lesser personal) email.

There is no need to be abrupt, rude or aggressive. It's simply
a question of being professional and using proper communication
skills.

If a customer has a legitimate complaint, problem or question
that needs to be resolved, there's nothing wrong with saying
something along the lines of... I understand your issue and I
need time to investigate, find out more about it and then I'll get
back to you".

Or if a customer unexpectedly contacts you simply say... "I'm
sorry but I'm in the middle of something right now... I'll be free
in a couple of hours, if it's something urgent it would probably
be best for you to submit a support ticket".

It's about taking control, yet remaining polite and professional.

John

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

I think for anyone who's experienced in running a business those points you've raised about using effective communication and being polite are an obvious given. Rude and agressive naturally don't come into a business.

Being "abrupt" simply suggests something is initiated suddenly. Therefore, no matter which way you word it, if you put the conversation to end suddenly by whatever means it is indeed abrupt.

Telling a cutomer "I'm busy" no matter how it's articulated could well be seen as a significant negative and depending on your business model "investigating" (or similar) may not be an excuse or valid reason for a person to have at their disposal. The bottom line is, a customer expects you to have time for them.

With many, you can only take control of a conversation to an extent. If you take control too much that conversation will transpose into a monologue.
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- smallbusinesstoolkit 12 years ago
  
  I think the best thing is just log out of skype after business hours , there is too many ways to get in touch in these days.
  There is no problem with communication its the problem with too much communication.
  
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contentwriting360

Banned 12 years ago

I think the suggestions that people have put out regarding "taking control of the conversation" is a little easier said that than done given that the recipient (assuming there are a customer) in many cases will want to take control of the conversations themselves by default as a paying client so you're going to end up with two opposing forces.

It is both easy to say and do if one is trained to do that. Call centers need to pass Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). One of which is Average Handling Time (AHT) or Average Talk Time (ATT), as they call it for departments that have voice supports. For chat supports, they call it Average Edit Time (AET). If this 'call control' strategy does not work for them, their clients would transfer to another call center because they're not meeting one of their KPIs.

The success or failure of any action is dependent to who-does-what.

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Horny Devil

Banned 12 years ago

Landline, mobile, skype, email, mms, instant messenger, pigeon post . . . whatever. People are going to use anything they feel comfortable with and that suits their needs. Hardly the death of their business.

I don't see the point of this thread. Who cares what method of communication a stranger prefers?

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Daniel Evans

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Horny Devil

Landline, mobile, skype, email, mms, instant messenger, pigeon post . . . whatever. People are going to use anything they feel comfortable with and that suits their needs. Hardly the death of their business.

I think you've possibly taken an attention grabbing thread title too literally.

I don't see the point of this thread. Who cares what method of communication a stranger prefers?

If you don't value the opinions of "strangers" or enjoy learning of their ways I guess the only thing that might be questioned is not the existence of this thread but your presence within it.

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Horny Devil

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Evans

. . . . If you don't value the opinions of "strangers" or enjoy learning of their ways I guess the only thing that might be questioned is not the existence of this thread but your presence within it.

Ok. So what computer do you use? What's your favourite printer? Do you go for the deep material luxury office chair or the leatherette swivel? etc, etc.

These questions are of no value to anyone and merely fill the forum up with junk. Is someone going to suddenly change their preferred method of communication because a post states "Skype is the death of your business". No.

As for "enjoy learning of their ways" I'd get no 'enjoyment' whatsoever from knowing whether the desk you use is oak, walnut, or metal. And for that matter whether it has cabling holes as standard or not.

The Off Topic section is a more appropriate forum for these type of discussions, so I'd question YOUR presence within this thread

It's my opinion and I'm sure others agree. Do I question your opinion?

So, what sort of chair DO you have? :rolleyes:

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Daniel Evans

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Brad Berry

Well, how about giving a real experiment to compare the whole thing. First, use Skype to contact your client or contractor, and take your time, remember to record the time. Next, use email and wait the reply one by one, remember to record the time. Because this will have different result on each person, you should try it for yourself. Mine, Skype is much more effective.

I think it's clear for myself without having to resort to actual timing that the amount of time spend in Skype is significantly greater than the time spend using email, however to pick nits there would be no viable way of testing since Id be either be involved in Skype or email for any particular client.

i.e It wouldn't be possible chat via Skype then test to see how the very same experience would otherwise flow using email.

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Horny Devil

My final word.

Just like that!
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- 1 reply
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- Horny Devil Banned 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Daniel Evans
  
  Just like that!
  
  And the consensus is . . . you have some humour in you
  
  I've thanked you for the Tommy Cooper pic. Made my night.
  
  In the words of the great man: Two elephants walk off a cliff . . . boom, boom!
  
  Thanks
  
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Al amin

12 years ago

Skype Made my online life easy. I use skype everyday

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Laura Stevens

12 years ago

Skype makes your business go around...

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webdesignnomad

12 years ago

Hey Daniel,
A very interesting point, I do agree that a lot of time is spent with clients rambling on skype, it could easily be more decisive and to the point with a quick email. Seems a lot more efficient to me!

Thanks

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gearmonkey

12 years ago

Pretty much why I refuse to use skype. It also is resource intensive on my computer because I have lots of programs installed. Skype isn't for everyone

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misterkailo

12 years ago

I have been using Skype to discuss about a MLM and people learn a lot from there. Yea, there are some chatterboxes there, but it's really helpful most of the time for information.

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seobro

12 years ago

I know this is going to make a lot of you HATE me. OK so my sister told me from having a restaurant that people who complain constantly will not only not tip wait staff, but will also sue you. Chronic complainers are always finding excuses to not pay. That is what they are - excuses.

Also, they will soak up your time like a sponge. Best strategy to tell them - GET OUT! Right now. I do not want to see you here again! Otherwise, they are constantly complaining about your poor service. Mostly, so they do it so as not have to pay.

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Brad Berry

12 years ago

Well, how about giving a real experiment to compare the whole thing. First, use Skype to contact your client or contractor, and take your time, remember to record the time. Next, use email and wait the reply one by one, remember to record the time. Because this will have different result on each person, you should try it for yourself. Mine, Skype is much more effective.

Thanks

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tpw

12 years ago

As many have indicated, this is simply a matter of Time Management 101.

Skype is my communication channel of choice.

It allows me to contact someone in a hurry, spending less time reaching someone than with email. I drop the note, then move on. When they have time, they respond.

My Skype messages don't get lost, like emails easily can.

I answer when I have time, just as I expect those I communicate with will do at their end as well.

I'd much rather get a short text message, rather than a short email or voice mail.

Skype chat rooms? I belong to a lot of them, and I participate when it matches my schedule. Most of the time, they accumulate hundreds or thousands of messages before I look at them. Sometimes I will scan the conversations, and sometimes I will will drag the bar down skipping everything in the room.

If you are in control of your own schedule, it doesn't matter which communication tools you use, because it is YOU who determines how those tools will impact your time.

If you feel that you are not in control of your time, then you might want to consider whether you are letting the tail wag the dog.

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

If you feel that you are not in control of your time, then you might want to consider whether you are letting the tail wag the dog.

I think there needs to be some margin assigned when a person actually loosens up on their control to establish whether the customer is likely to consume too much time than necessary, but as mentioned, once that's been establsihed they have already sapped the time. Catch 22.

It's common business law that we should let the customer feel like they are in control, hence "The customer is always right" mantra. To allow the customer to be right, cutting a conversation short probably won't be the best way forward. Generally, for the customer to be "right", to be in control, I think there must be some leeway given, though the jury is out on that leeway being an endless stream of dialogie on Skype.

It's a time gamble in the same sense as a financial gamble - both true to business.

I think I just might have convinced myself that wasting some time is fine for as long as a jewel continues to arise eventually, but I reserve the right to change my mind again should a long drawn out Skype conversation arise...

Originally Posted by FirstSocialApps

If it wasnt for Skype I wouldnt be in business. How could I call customers all over the world and pay the cost of the call if not for Skype.

I accept the valauble uses of VOIP as mentioned in the OP.

The topic is text chat focused.

It could apply to Windows Live Messenger or AOL. Skype however is slowly emerging to be a standard and many people do just use the IM features.
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FirstSocialApps

12 years ago

If it wasnt for Skype I wouldnt be in business. How could I call customers all over the world and pay the cost of the call if not for Skype.

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RyanLB

12 years ago

I disagree completely. Skype has presented some of my best networking opportunities through the chats that you can be invited to.

It's just a platform like everything else. If you waste too much time on it, you just do. You can cut back and still use it for the positives.

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dadhere

12 years ago

truthfully I like skype chat. Granted the converstions can go off in different directions but its been very helpful to me persaonlly getting questions answered

I made a few hundred as well doing some swaps with members on skype in the swap forum.

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Resale Rights Ninja

12 years ago

It is far easier to reach me via skype than by email.

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Rob28x

12 years ago

I prefer to use e-mail so I have a paper trail.

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1 reply

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Rob28x

I prefer to use e-mail so I have a paper trail.

That's the term I was looking for earlier.

Having someone state their requirements in a Skype chat log involves endless fishing around for the beef of the information which can lead to things being missed unless of course I sit with pen and paper. For me, that's certainly not the best of options given than I can have over 10+ clients at any one time.

The email is usually clear and concise in contrast and serves as a "to-do" when it's sat in my inbox.
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markkislich

12 years ago

Same difference with facebook...

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

I think Facebook has a much greater scope for potential time loss!

Not being a Facebook fan myself I can't testify to that though...
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eresource

12 years ago

People tend to go off topic and be long winded on Skype just like on videos which is why I always prefer text when possible. People are more concise and to the point on text.

What takes half an hour on video or skype could be settled in 2 or 3 short paragraphs that takes 5 minutes to read and another 5 to reply.

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Joseph Robinson

Banned 12 years ago

So from this thread we have learned:

Some people like Skype for their business.
Some people don't like Skype for their business.
Nobody on either side really cares enough to hear any info that'll change their views.

Riveting

.

[ 3 ] Thanks
2 replies

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Daniel Evans 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Joseph Robinson

So from this thread we have learned:

Nobody on either side really cares enough to hear any info that'll change their views.

How did you reach that conclusion?

It beats me why people involve themselves in topics they don't find interesting.
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lgibbon

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Joseph Robinson

So from this thread we have learned:

Some people like Skype for their business.
Some people don't like Skype for their business.
Nobody on either side really cares enough to hear any info that'll change their views.

Riveting

.

Yep.
Never has so much been written about so little.

Thanks
1 reply

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Daniel Evans

12 years ago

Originally Posted by lgibbon

Yep.
Never has so much been written about so little.

Clearly you haven't read Time Management for Dummies.

Thanks
1 reply

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Joseph Robinson

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Evans

Clearly you haven't read Time Management for Dummies.

*Looks at 80 post thread*

Yep, because there was literally no better way to spend time than to start this thread. (Before you try: I'm well aware that I'm wasting time by participating as well, but I'm not silly enough to blame the tool/platform for it)

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1 reply

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Daniel Evans

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Joseph Robinson

*Looks at 80 post thread*

Yep, because there was literally no better way to spend time than to start this thread. (Before you try: I'm well aware that I'm wasting time by participating as well, but I'm not silly enough to blame the tool/platform for it)

What might been seen as silly, is assuming that out of the 900+ people who have viewed this thread and 75+ people who have replied constructively (Q.E.D.), no-one cares or has had they views swayed simply because you have no interest in the topic yourself.

So yes indeed (and I will try). You are wasting your time as you have rightfully identified. Myself on the other hand; I'm gaining a useful insight into how people use the platform and how their manage their time effectively - in my leisure time no less, on a Saturday afternoon.

Instead of kicking around stirring a pot, you should try the soup. Sometimes it tastes wonderful.

Daniel

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jaghananet

12 years ago

What an attention grabbing title..

If its your friend or family use Skype. If its some random customer use email.

Thanks

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Skype is the death of your business!

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